5 Causes of Steering Wheel Hard to Turn

Every vehicle has a steering system which gives the driver control over the direction in which they are driving. If you don’t have a functional steering system, then it will create all kinds of problems for you. More importantly, it will make your vehicle unsafe for yourself and the other people on the road around you. Just imagine having to make a turn or trying to change lanes and then having the steering wheel lock up or move slowly. This will likely cause an accident to the point where someone could be injured or killed.

The most common problem with the steering wheel is that it can become difficult to turn. Since most people turn while driving at low speeds, this is when the hard to turn problem will be noticeable. It is a clear indication that your power steering system is having a problem somewhere. There are many components which make up the power steering system. Aside from the serpentine belt and the pump, the system contains hydraulic power steering fluid which works against the piston so that you can easily turn the wheel without much resistance. If there were to be an issue with any one of these areas of the system, then you wouldn’t get the assistance of the power steering to make turning the wheel easier.

Top 5 Common Causes
It is important to understand the main causes of a hard to turn steering wheel. Below are the top 5 causes which you can investigate as soon as you notice that your steering wheel is getting more difficult to turn.

1) Bad Steering Rack – The steering rack is made up of the pinion and rack. A series of U-joints and shafts keep the steering rack attached to the steering wheel. The steering rack will eventually become worn out and damaged from simply using your vehicle. You will know when this happens if your steering wheel is only stiff after you’ve started your vehicle. As the engine stays on longer, the steering rack will get hotter which causes the lubricant to settle in more. Therefore, the steering wheel may become less stiff as the car continues to run. But still, get the rack replaced before the problem escalates.

2) Broken Serpentine Belt – One of the most common causes of steering wheel stiffness is when the serpentine belt is damaged or cracked. This belt is constantly being used when you drive the vehicle so over time, it gets worn down pretty quickly. Then it will become loose which is when the stiffness in the steering wheel will begin. If you don’t replace the belt soon, it will break altogether and then you won’t be able to move the steering wheel at all. It is better to replace the belt before this happens.

3) Leaky Fluid – Perhaps the top cause of a stiff steering wheel is when you don’t have enough power steering fluid in the system. Usually, this occurs if the fluid is leaking from the pressurized hose area. Sometimes the hose will get cracked or simply become loose, causing the fluid to leak out. Since this fluid is needed to pressurize the system and lubricate the pump, you will have a stiff steering wheel if there isn’t enough fluid to perform these tasks in the system.

4) Pump Failure – The pump of the power steering system is what produces the amount of pressure needed to allow you to smoothly turn the steering wheel. If this pump were to stop working, then it will become more difficult to turn the steering wheel. Normally, in these situations, the pump won’t prevent the steering wheel from moving completely. You will still be able to turn it, but it will require a lot more force on your end.

5) Thick Fluid – The power steering fluid can become thicker over time. If you don’t change your fluid regularly, then it will become too thick to lubricate the system. This will cause more stiffness in the steering as you try to turn at low speeds. Therefore, you need to drain this old fluid out and replace it with entirely new fluid.

How Often Does My Car Need a Power Steering Fluid Service?

The purpose of the power steering system is to ensure easy handling and precise direction as a vehicle is being driven. The power steering system assists steering by guiding part of an engine’s power towards one front wheel or the other.

Using a hydraulic system, the power steering wheel works by using a belt driven pump to provide pressure. This hydraulic pressure is produced by a rotary-vane pump driven by the vehicle's engine.

What power steering fluid does

The power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in the power steering system. There is no definite time frame on when to change power steering fluid. The general rule of thumb that states the power steering fluid should be replaced every four years or after running the vehicle for 50,000 miles. A licensed mechanic will recommend that the power steering fluid be changed if it looks light brown when he or she is doing a vehicle inspection. The vehicle’s user manual will give a more concrete time frame.

Changing the power steering system fluid requires draining or flushing out the old fluid and then adding fresh power steering fluid. Depending on the type of car, a specially designed power steering fluid may need to be used. A licensed mechanic will check that information before changing the power steering fluid. Changing the power steering fluid can be a time-consuming process, and it is important that it be done correctly. A certified mobile mechanic from AutoFactorNG can change the power steering fluid quickly and easily.

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Rack/Gearbox

Common signs include a very tight steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, grinding noises when steering, and a burning oil smell.

The steering system utilized in today's modern cars is a rack and pinion steering system. The rack and pinion is comprised of multiple components including the universal joints, main and intermediate shafts, and at the center is the steering rack or gearbox. It's this central unit that receives input from the driver, by way of the steering wheel and steering column and sends a mechanical signal to tie rods and steering shafts to complete smooth and efficient left and right turns. However, from time to time, the steering rack or gearbox will wear out and quick and efficient service to repair this important component can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major mechanical overhaul.

The steering rack is essentially the heart of the steering system. When it wears out or breaks entirely the ability to steer a vehicle is compromised. When this happens while you are driving, it can be extremely dangerous. It's for these reasons and many more that being alert to some of the warning signs of a bad or failing steering rack or gearbox can save you money, time and reduce the potential of an accident.

Here are a few of the symptoms or warning signs that will alert you to a potential problem brewing with your steering rack.

1. Very tight steering wheel

Today's rack and pinion steering systems are supported by a power steering control that utilizes hydraulic pressure to allow easy steering and quick steering wheel handling. When the steering wheel feels tight or is harder to turn than usual, it's typically due to the steering rack or gearbox building up more heat or a loss of hydraulic pressure from the power steering control. Either way, it's a problem that won't go away and should be inspected as soon as possible by an ASE certified mechanic. Sometimes it's just low power steering fluid or a minor adjustment that can solve this problem and extend the lifespan of your steering rack.

2. Leaking power steering fluid

As noted above, sometimes tight steering is indicated by low power steering fluid. However, since the steering box is hydraulically powered, the fluid levels won't decrease unless there is a leak somewhere in the system. Once you start to leak power steering fluid it means there is a loose fitting, broken gasket or other mechanical issue causing the leak that must be fixed as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in the steering rack or gearbox to develop excess heat, potentially breaking gears and other components that could lead to an accident.

Leaking steering fluid can be distinguished from other fluids by its smell (typically a burning oil smell). It's also typically red or pink in color and will be dripping from the back part of your motor. If you discover this type of fluid under your car, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to inspect the leak and repair it before the leak causes additional damage

3. Grinding noise when steering

A bad or failing gearbox is typically caused by lack of proper lubrication and service. The excess heat causes metal-to-metal contact and thus creates a loud, grinding noise when you turn left or right. You can really notice this sound especially when you turn and hit a bump at the same time; specifically when you drive into a driveway. If you notice this grinding sound when you steer left or right, contact a mechanic so they can quickly diagnose and replace the steering gearbox if needed.

4. Burning oil smell

A less common warning sign of a damaged steering rack or gearbox is the smell of burning oil. Since power steering fluid itself smells like burnt oil, the strong aroma of burnt oil will be present when the steering gearbox is hot. If this occurs, stop your vehicle immediately, find a safe place to park your vehicle and call a mechanic as soon as possible. Continued driving when a steering gearbox is overheating may result in fire and catastrophic damage.

The steering rack or gearbox is an essential component vital to the smooth steering operation of any vehicle utilizing a rack and pinion steering system. If you notice any of the above symptoms or warning signs, contact AUTOFACTORNG as quickly as possible so they can diagnose and repair any damage done.

How to Diagnose a Shaking Steering Wheel

An issue with your car's suspension or drive system will cause a shaking steering wheel. A tire and wheel out of balance can cause a vibration.

During normal operation, your car should drive smoothly and consistently across the streets you navigate. As drivers, we barely feel bumps, cracks or imperfections in the roads due to the advanced technology that comprises the suspension and drive systems on modern vehicles. However, there are times when we feel a vibration in the steering wheel that shows up on certain roads, at a particular speed or anytime the vehicle moves forward.

Because there are multiple components on today's vehicles that can cause shaking in the steering wheel, trying to find the exact source can be frustrating and time-consuming, even for the most experienced mechanics. Add the fact that multiple front end components could be worn out or out of alignment at the same time, and you'll understand why the process of discovering the exact cause of steering wheel vibration can be a time consuming and extremely detailed process.

Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing tire and wheel balance issues

The most common cause of steering wheel vibration is due to tires and wheels that fall out of balance. Tire/wheel balance is the process of adding weight to the wheel after a new tire has been installed. Every tire that comes off the factory floor has some imperfections in the construction or the weight distribution, and requires weights to balance it.

The best way to determine if the steering wheel shaking is caused by your front tires and wheels being out of balance is to have a professional tire technician complete a balance check.

Typically the warning signs that lead to this issue include:

• The steering wheel vibrates when the vehicle reaches highway speeds (55 mph and above)
• The shaking progressively gets worse the faster the vehicle drives
• The shaking goes away when you decelerate below highway speeds

You can also perform some inspections yourself to determine whether or not your tire/wheel balance is causing the steering wheel vibration.

Check the sides of your tires for marks. The most common cause of tires and wheels falling out of balance is due to the tire striking a curb. If you see scuff marks on the side of your tire, it's a good indication that the tire and wheel are out of balance. Hitting an object will shift the weight balance of the tire to where the tire struck the object.


Another simple check is to inspect the side of the wheel where the weights were initially installed. If you see a clean spot in the shape of a wheel weight on the side of your wheel, it's likely that the weight fell off. This check is hard to complete on the inside of the wheel, but if you can, turn the wheel to the left and inspect the inside as well.

Part 2 of 3: Diagnosing wheel bearing issues

The wheel bearings secure the wheel hub to the vehicle’s suspension. Inside the wheel bearing housing is lubricant designed to keep the bearings cool and reduce the buildup of heat as the wheel spins. Over time, the wheel bearings tend to lose lubricity, and if the bearings are not replaced in a timely manner, they can cause the wheel hub to loosen.

As the vehicle drives down the road, the loose wheel will vibrate, which may be felt in the steering wheel. If the wheel bearings are not replaced soon, they can break, causing the entire wheel/hub assembly to fall off the vehicle and create a dangerous driving situation.

There is a very simple test that any novice mechanic can perform to check whether or not the wheel bearings are causing the vibration. To perform this inspection, you'll need to follow these basic steps.

Step 1: Raise the front end of the vehicle on jack stands. Using a hydraulic lift or a jack and jack stands, raise the front end of the vehicle.

Make sure to jack the front wheel from the lower control arm or the side body mount.

Step 2: Check the tire/wheel for loose wheel bearings. As noted in the image above, the inspection for loose or worn out wheel bearings is rather simple to complete and is done by touch. Place both hands on the tire, preferably with one hand at 3 o’clock position and the other at 9 o’clock.

Push and pull the tire in and out with both hands. If you do this and hear a clunking sound, or the wheel moves freely while shaking the tire, it's a good indication that the wheel bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.

Step 3: Replace the wheel bearings or have a mechanic complete this task. If you have the right tools and experience, replacing the wheel bearings is a rather simple job to complete.

But if you don't, or simply do not feel comfortable completing this task, contact a mechanic who can replace your wheel bearings for you. This is a dangerous situation that you don't want to delay fixing.

Part 3 of 3: Inspecting suspension component issues

There are multiple components that comprise the modern front end suspension. Each of these parts are connected to providing steering input, power the front wheels and keep the front wheel in line so the vehicle will drive straight down the road.

Improper alignment of suspension parts can impact the stability of the vehicle, and can also cause shaking in the steering wheel. The shaking is typically caused by suspension parts that are worn out or loose, which causes the alignment issues.

In order to find out if suspension parts are worn out or the suspension alignment is faulty, you'll have to complete the following inspections:

Step 1: Check the tie rods for wear. The first items you want to inspect for wear and tear in regards to steering wheel vibration are the tie rods. Refer to your service manual for exact instructions and steps on how you should inspect them, as each vehicle's tie rod construction and location is unique.

Step 2: Check the bushings. A common cause of steering wheel vibration at lower speeds is when the bushings of the tie rods, spindles, or control arms are worn out.

First, jack up your vehicle's front end and place the front end on jack stands (make sure to put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels).

Using a flashlight, inspect the bushings for cuts, frays, pinching, signs of excess grease or the bushings being pushed out of the brackets. Try to move or wiggle the suspension part that is connected by the bushings. If the part moves, the bushings have failed and must be replaced.

Step 3: Check the shocks, struts and springs. Most vehicles have front struts or shock absorbers that are connected to the lower control arm and are a part of the suspension.

To check for wear and tear that could cause vibration in the steering wheel, complete the following inspections:

• Look for signs of grease: When a shock or strut is leaking, you'll usually find grease along the strut or the shock mounts. This could mean that the shocks or struts are loose, causing the vibration.
• Check the spring for damage: In some cases, the spring will become detached from the coil-over shock/strut. This can also cause vibration issues.
• Check the shock mounts: If the mounts are loose, it will definitely cause the front end to rattle and steering wheel to vibrate. This is noticed immediately as soon as the vehicle moves forward or backward.

If you've completed all of these checks and still can't find the source of the problem, or need an extra set of professional hands to help fix the problem, contact AUTOFACTORNG to find a local ASE certified mechanic who will be happy to assist you with the steering wheel vibration issue.